RockRaines

QUOTE (BigSqwert @ Jan 21, 2009 -> 09:46 AM) Way to go out on a limb Rock. I'm right 75 percent of the time, everytime

I'm betting my life he doesnt live up to expectations.

QUOTE (NorthSideSox72 @ Jan 21, 2009 -> 09:30 AM) Regardless of your religious beliefs or lack thereof, I can't believe people would actually equate santa claus with major religions in terms of personal values or faith. I dont think anyone is comparing the idea of belief between the two. But they do have a parallel in that they are both derived from oral tales told over generations and both are ficticious events that have lead people to believe something. The idea of religion for most is great because of the direction it gives people's lives (mostly positive), the morality and the comfort. But it still doesnt change the fact that most of the stories in the Bible are completely fabricated because it makes it a better story to believe in. I would suggest visiting the museum of creationism near Cincy to really get an idea of how the story has been moved and changed to try and bring it out from under the cloud of truth and science to try and continue to make people believe in the story. IMO most intelligent humans nowadays who are open to all aspects of life and science are aware that the stories in the Bible are fabricated, but the belief in a higher power is very real.

QUOTE (Texsox @ Jan 21, 2009 -> 09:11 AM) Bringing in Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny is Mocking if you have the intelligence to know the difference between something that several billion humans believe in, and a child's fantasy. (Taking in all the world's religions that believe in a higher power(s).) Amazingly ignorant if you don't know the difference. I prefer to think you are intelligent enough to know the difference. But like many liberal democrats, you would be very comfy in a Communist country. Well to be honest, I bet about a billion humans believe in the easter bunny and Santa as well. Just like those stories that were built from oration throughout history, the Bible was written from stories told over several generations. Just because its a belief doesnt make it more real or less fake than imaginary tales involving Santa. Both have been proven to be inaccurate either way. Creationism is just as big of a tall tale as a fat man dropping through Chimney's bringing presents.

QUOTE (IlliniKrush @ Jan 21, 2009 -> 08:37 AM) Sideline students have to sit for most of the game or the people in section A can't see over them. So they get yelled at to sit down by security. Rock was referring to the A section on TV side, with a decent amount of empty gray seats. There's always no shows in that particular section and those people never get up, make noise, or even wear orange. And it looks awful on TV. It's been an ongoing battle for years. Did they always make the students sit down or is that a new thing? For some reason I always thought th student section stretched into the area that the camera looked at.

QUOTE (whitesoxfan101 @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 08:00 PM) It's not outstanding at the top, but it has the best depth in the country (by a mile) with the exception of the Big East, and the only reason they have the best depth is obviously because they have the extra 5 teams. I am not sure if I should be underwhemeled with Ohio State's effort tonight or impressed with Illinois', but it was a solid win for the orange and blue. An opportunity to take care of buisness and impress on national television as a newly ranked team in both polls, and they do what good teams should do at home, even against a pretty solid Ohio State team. The bad draft class could really hurt Ohio State, as a guy like Mullens (and maybe Turner) could go pro after this year, where in the case of many draft classes they would probably be more inclined to stay. I'd say a little of both. OSU could have easily lulled Ill to sleep, but they wouldnt let it happen and punched OSU in the mouth. I think the teams are pretty evenly matched and will play twice again so I think we will see better games. Im not sure why the guys were so sluggish tonight. And if Turner and Mullens go pro its the same old s*** again for OSU, rebuilding again, then rebuilding again. Its f***in insanity. Think if Cook and Conley and Koufos didnt go pro, jesus. That was the plan, and obviously it didnt work out.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 07:52 PM) Solid win for Illinois. I think the greatest thing about this season is that in all seriousness (and not any homerism), Illinois probably should be undefeated or a one loss team at worst. In all of their losses (Clemson, @ Michigan and @ Michigan St) they had double digit leads at some point in the 2nd half but let the game slip away. I think those losses are the best losses because you learn that you can play with top teams, but also learn that it's a 40 min game. I dunno that I've seen a team execute offensive sets as well as this one, and that includes the 05 team. The passing and motion are outsanding at times. Wisky up next. Should be fun. Ah it wont last, they have alot of difficult road games coming up, so there will be some CLEAR losses. They are very consistent though, they could have easily played down to OSU's level of sluggishness in this game and instead they took it too them and ended the game early. The Big Ten is only going to get better and they are going to surprise alot of teams in the tourney.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 07:39 PM) I never said that it was exclusive. Franklin and Jefferson were not Christians, but their moral compasses probably came from the Euorpean-Christian philosophies that they were immersed in during their childhoods. The point that I've been trying to make is that America was founded by European-Americans whose primary religion was Christianity. Prayer at public events, swearing on a bible, and ten commandments in front of courthouses, were traditions created by people who were also European-Americans whose primary religion was Christianity. That's all. That is why there was prayer at the Inauguration. Yes, but they had alot of older traditions that are now passe as they should be. The country back then was much different than it is now. Our population consists of many different religions and races and I think our government should reflect that and keep religion where it belongs, in people's personal lives. It simply has no place in a federal ceremony.

Wow, I didnt realize that the Big Ten had the #1 SOS and the #2 RPI of any conference. Thats kind of amazing to be honest.

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 07:32 PM) But also for Mullens, if he stays for another year, which seems likely now, he should have a great sophomore year. Look at Mike Tisdale, he was worthless his freshman year and look what year two has brought. Add to the fact that Mullens has more natural talent and he could explode in year two. That'd be nice. Of course every player we have thought would benefit from that scenario has gone pro. It sucks And we'll make it a better game on Feb 21 folks, hopefully the Bucks wont try to sleepwalk through a conference game next time. I expect a much better and closer game.

And here comes the religious debates... Ugh

QUOTE (Brian @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 07:10 PM) Even better that Michigan beat Minnesota! Woohoo! That alone makes Minny one of the worst teams in the country

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 07:19 PM) I dunno that I'd go that far, but if you're getting 2 top 10 recruits (as he is in 10...not sure about 09), you might as well try and develop a couple of 3 and 4 star guys that'll stay a couple of years. In his defense I don't think he expected Conley to jump ship so soon. A guy like that would really help. I don't see any of these guys in the NBA next year, so at least they'll develop at least one more year. Unfortunately Turner and Mullens have both been projected in the first round. QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 07:23 PM) Mullens is pretty useless, but Buford and Turner are great wings. Agreed. Alot of it is the offense and the fact that OSU doesnt have a PG on the roster though. Matta's defense doesnt seem to fit his team and the offensive sets are very perimeter oriented.

Wow, I thought WVU was the worst we could play, clearly that is not the case. Bad coaching, defense, cant shoot. Weber puts 5 midgets on the floor and we dont put the ball inside even once.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 06:59 PM) The settling and founding of America wasn't a secular event. Puritans, Baptists, Episcopalians, and Church of England members helped found the country. Inaugurations, Courtrooms, many Graduations, Weddings, Funerals, Memorial Services, all have prayer. America is a Christian-founded country. Really, thats the argument you bring up to prove that point? You will open the gates of alot of old tradition that makes zero sense now. We are a multi-relgion society and therefor shouldnt show a preference during a federal ceremony. religion is simply out of place on that stage.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 06:50 PM) Pretty dominant half by Illinois. Take a few of the tip-ins away and this is an 18-20 pt lead at the half. I envy Matta's ability to get 5 star recruit after 5 star recruit, but this team shows why you need a few 3-4 year players in the mix. They have no leadership and really no ability to create offense except off the dribble. Obviously Lighty is missed. Oh yeah, supremely talented with underdeveloped basketball skills. Thats basically the story. They are entirely made up of first and second year players since everyone keeps going into the draft. If a nucleus stays together a few years they will be a great team, but it never happens. For instance, they have 3 future NBA picks starts for them right now, 2 frosh and a soph. How many of those guys stay more than 2 years? None. Quick edit: You sound 100 percent like posters on the OSU bball site. They actually beg for Matta to ignore the top tier recruits.

QUOTE (lostfan @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 06:48 PM) I admit I have some dumbass friends, fortunately none of them are quite this dumb. When we were listening to Obama's speech in DC a black guy said "a black man is the boss now, no more excuses fellas, time to step it up." I've been hearing a lot of comments like that actually between people posting excited messages. Ha! Actually I experienced something of that nature when a lady wasnt allowed to ride the CTA bus because she had forgotten her card and she mumbled that this wouldnt be the case when Obama takes charge.

QUOTE (knightni @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 06:46 PM) Everyone's always so threatened by Christianity. Last I checked, the radical Muslims are far ahead of the radical Christians in the body count. Relax. No pastors are coming to your home and forcing a bible down your throat. Mute the TV if you don't like prayer. Nobody is trying to be against and afraid of Christianity nor its crazies. I just feel like faith and the Church is very out of place in an event where a Federal official who represents all races, creeds and religions is being sworn in. I mean, isnt it a BIT weird that there was almost a mini religious service right before a civic ceremony was held? It just doesnt belong there.

QUOTE (Jenksismyb**** @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 06:26 PM) not sure about the attendance, but this might be the worst i've ever heard musberger and lavin. soooooooooooooooooooooooo boring. Do they have nothing to talk about? Did they move the student section or something? I havent watched a ton of U of I games lately, but the section used to be more prominent in the broadcasts.

QUOTE (maggsmaggs @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 06:43 PM) Surprised ESPN has not made a mention of McCamey and Turner being high school teammates, same year, too. They may when OSU and Turner start actually making shots. At this point they've reverted to talking about the hotel.

QUOTE (nitetrain8601 @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 05:42 PM) You're right, but that's the problem. People vote for who they vote for, not because of their beliefs or morals, not because of their plan of action, but because of their skin color. Keep in mind, I'm not a caucasion male either. Those are the people I have a problem with. My hope is that people aren't dissapointed with Obama, and that they continue to interest themselves in government. Go out and vote for local laws and not expect guys like Obama to save their lives. To be honest though, I feel that the blind dedication to one's party or "group" is the most fundamental problem with our political system today. It shouldnt be an "us" vs "them" environment like it is today. I think a President's job to the public is to inspire and involve, which is something that Obama does very well.

Hows the attendance been for Illinois games? It doesnt look like there is anyone there tonight.

QUOTE (nitetrain8601 @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:57 PM) I understand that. But why be so proud of being republican at one moment (because they want to pay less taxes is the usual reason which is a good reason since they worked for their money), but then come out of nowhere and vote for Obama. The people I listed, Jay-Z and Nas are two of my favorite rap artists, but yet, made a song about being Black Republicans, at their concerts have proudly stated their allegiance to the Republican side, and Beyonce asked to perform for Bush in 2004, then when the black presidential candidate came along, you voted for him instead of the side you were so proud of supporting, even after Bush's first term. Maybe its not about sides, but more about the people running. Thats not exactly "crazy".

QUOTE (bmags @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:41 PM) Wow, I can't believe this thread turned into something bashing Obama supporters for being rabid! I did not vote for Obama, or McCain, but I for one think its positive to have this many people actually interested in the government, the country, and the presidential office. The last time this many Americans decided to band together in somewhat unity it took a few airplanes killing innocent people to get the reaction.

QUOTE (nitetrain8601 @ Jan 20, 2009 -> 04:37 PM) To add, I think the supporters being referred to are the people who jumped on Obama's ship or think Obama literally has opened doors already open. For example, on the night he won, one african-american male said, "Now I can go to college." Um? It's not like this kid was 10. He was in high school. Then there was a co-worker of my girlfriend, who told her, "Us black people don't have to worry, Obama is going to give us the good life and take care of us really well." I'm pretty sure under Bush, McCain, Clinton, etc., they would not have stopped you from going to college. Then there's the actors and actresses, guys like Jay-Z, Nas, and Beyonce who are registered Republicans, supported Bush(Beyonce even performed in 2004 for him), and yet they are Obama this and Obama that because he's black and because he's going to change the country completely. Obama is a likable guy. I think he will improve the country(as I think McCain could have as well), and I think he's an excellent historian who will learn from prior mistakes. Obama is not the saviour, not the second coming of christ, he's not going to make your house payments, make your credit card bills go away, and he's not the reason why you can now go to college. He's just one man, who will help make decisions to make the country a better place, but the expectations on him by his own supporters and setting people up for dissapointment. And THATS why he will not be able to live up to expectations and may actually hurt the future chances of african americans to become president IMO. There are simply too many people out there idolizing Obama like a God, and they will end up dissapointed when things do not change for them in their personal lives. Also since any change at all economically is going to take a decent chunk of time, and people these days have grown so accustomed to immediate fullfillment, people are going to be extremely disapointed by the results.